Torque Specs: Proper Bolt Tightening

Torque Specs: Proper Bolt Tightening for Bike Safety

Proper torque prevents component damage and keeps you safe. Under-tightened bolts come loose during rides; over-tightened bolts strip threads, crack carbon, or cause stress failures. A torque wrench is essential for any serious bike maintenance.

Why Torque Matters

• Carbon components: Over-torquing crushes fibers, causing hidden damage that leads to sudden failure
• Aluminum threads: Easily stripped by excessive force
• Safety-critical parts: Handlebars, stems, and seatposts must be secure but not damaged
• Consistent performance: Proper torque ensures components function as designed

Essential Torque Wrench Types

Beam-Style: Simple, affordable, no calibration needed, harder to read

Click-Style: Clicks when target torque reached, requires calibration

Digital: Most accurate, shows real-time values, battery dependent

For bike work, a 2-15 Nm wrench covers most fasteners. Add a larger wrench (15-55 Nm) for pedals and cassette lockrings.

Common Torque Values Reference

Cockpit:

Seatpost and Saddle:

Drivetrain:

Brakes:

Wheels:

Carbon Component Considerations

• Always use carbon assembly paste on carbon-to-carbon or carbon-to-metal interfaces
• Never exceed manufacturer’s stated torque
• Tighten multi-bolt clamps evenly in a star pattern
• If torque feels wrong, stop – something may be damaged

Proper Torquing Technique

1. Clean bolt threads and receiving threads
2. Apply grease or thread prep as specified
3. Thread bolt by hand to ensure proper engagement
4. Set torque wrench to target value
5. Tighten smoothly and steadily
6. Stop at click (click wrench) or target value (digital)
7. For multi-bolt clamps, alternate bolts and tighten gradually

Invest in a quality torque wrench – it’s cheap insurance against damaged components and dangerous failures. Always defer to manufacturer specifications when available, as these general values may differ for specific components.